Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Tucson, AZ, is a beautiful mission parish near downtown Tucson, a city in southern Arizona. It was started in 1997 by Father John Bockman, who was a missionary priest formerly serving missions in Tennessee and Massachusetts since 1990. Fr. John served the faithful in Tucson and the surrounding area in his and Presbytera Valerie's home chapel, until he reposed in November 2000. Presbytera Valerie continued to provide her home chapel for the Mission, with clergy from St. Nectarios Orthodox Church in Seattle and His Eminence, Metropolitan Moses of Portland, visiting to provide the Divine Services.

In March of 2003, with the blessing of Metropolitan Moses, the Mission acquired a facility of its own in downtown Tucson, near the University of Arizona. The church building consists of a beautifully-adorned temple, with an adjacent dining room for Trapeza, as well as a kitchen, gift shop, office, and parking area. The building itself was built in 1928, and consists of stuccoed brick on a foundation of volcanic stone.

Since the repose of Fr. John, the Mission has no permanent, resident priest. Currently, the Mission is served by His Grace, Bishop Sergios of Portland, as well as other diocesan clergy.

Reader's Services are currently served by Fr. John's daughter, Mary Beth, and Presbytera Valerie. Reader's Vespers are served every Saturday evening at 6:00 pm, and Hours and Typica are served every Sunday at 9:30 am. Check the Mission website or contact the Mission for further information regarding service times when clergy visit the Mission.

If you happen to live in Arizona or will be visiting Arizona, be sure to visit the Mission. Or, if you know someone living in Arizona, be sure to encourage them to visit sometime soon.

Jonesboro is a town located near the Eastern border of Arkansas, with a population of approximately 60,000. From a human standpoint, it’s not the most likely candidate for a traditional Orthodox mission, but for an Orthodox Christian who orders his priorities around Christ and His Church, it makes perfect sense.
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Q. Can you please explain the significance of the forty day memorial service? An Evangelical family asked one of our relatives that question. We said that it’s best to ask a clergy member. Thank you in advance for your response. (We will forward it to them as soon as possible).
-P. & M. G.Read more...